6 Ways to Confront Your Fears

Fun fact: I'm terrified of spiders. Eight is far too many legs and eyes for any non-alien creature to have.

However, I've been trying my hardest to get over this fear. If there's a spider in my bathtub (which there was the other night), I try and trap it and let it outside. At the same time, though, I keep it very far away from me and try not to scream.

Confronting your fears is a necessary part of life, even though it's one of the worst parts of it. If you need that extra little push, here are 6 ways I use to confront my fears. Maybe they'll work for you, too.

1. Breathe

Sounds easy, right? If there's one lesson you can take from yoga, it's the importance of the breath. If you connect it to almost everything you do, it can make things much more pleasant. Focusing on your breath can make you more centered, calm, and brings much needed oxygen to your body.

Just try not to hyperventilate.

2. What's the worst that could happen?

Ok, granted, some things could potentially be detrimental. But you won't die from having a hard conversation with someone. Trying something new won't kill you either.

Before I do something that scares me, I always ask myself, "What's the worst that could happen?" If I'm asking someone for something, the worst they can say is "no."

It's like that old saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." And boy oh boy, is it true.

3. Ask for Help

Everyone needs a hand to hold. Don't be afraid to ask those close to you for a bit of help when you need it.

It took me a long time to realize that asking for help doesn't make you weak. Instead, it makes you a better person, because you know your limits and that you can't do everything on your own.

(My roommate definitely helped remove the spider from the bath, by the way.)

4. Be Honest With Yourself

This goes hand in hand with number 3. Know your limits, and be honest with yourself about them.

Putting on a fake show of bravado doesn't help anyone at all. A bit of confidence is a good thing, but once in a while, baby steps are best.

If you're working towards truly getting over a fear — let's use heights as an example — maybe going skydiving right away isn't the best idea. Take it one step at a time (in this case, literally), take stock of where you are at each one, and move forward from there.

5. Just Do It!

When all else fails, take the leap and do what it is that scares you. You'll feel much better after. As Shia says, "make your dreams come true!"

6. Reward Yourself

Everyone loves a treat. And when all else fails, bribery works.

Bribe yourself with something you really, truly enjoy as a reward for doing what frightens you. Maybe it's a nice, long Yin yoga session on your mat, or it could be having a banana split for breakfast.

Knowing that you have something really lovely in store afterwards could be that little extra push you need.

How do you confront your fears? Do you have any tips of your own to share? Give us a shout in the comments below!

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